Kentucky Rangers

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Who We Are/What We Do

The Kentucky Rangers is a military organization at the University of Kentucky dedicated to the leadership development and physical training of Army cadets. Founded in 1964 with the intention of preparing ROTC cadets for the Vietnam War, the organization aims to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the Army Rangers by holding its members to similarly high standards of discipline and military excellence. Currently, the Kentucky Rangers organization is comprised of high-achieving Army ROTC Cadets, under the direction of 2 cadre members, who play an integral role in the Wildcat Battalion. Actives are responsible for the organization and training for UK’s Ranger Challenge team as well as the execution of candidate cycle (see below). Additionally, the Kentucky Rangers will be hosting a JROTC Raider Challenge competition in the fall of 2015. Besides leading these extracurricular activities, Kentucky Ranger actives are expected, in day-to-day ROTC training, to display a higher standard of physical, mental, and academic competency than the average cadet— or, as stated in the Ranger Creed, to “set the example for others to follow.”

Gaining Membership

Membership to the Kentucky Rangers Organization is contingent upon successful completion of an intensive semester-long “candidate cycle,” commonly referred to simply as “cycle.” During this time, potential new members, or “candidates,” are tested physically and mentally through a series of challenges that encourage them to learn more about the organization and themselves. Upon the culmination of cycle, active members invite those candidates who best represent the Kentucky Rangers to officially join the organization. Any cadet in the Wildcat Battalion is eligible to become a Kentucky Rangers candidate. Cycle is held during twice weekly throughout the Spring Semester. Cadets interested in participating in cycle should attend the Kentucky Rangers information briefing (generally held at the end of fall semester) or speak with their chain of command.

Kentucky Ranger Accomplishments

The organization’s members have, historically, boasted an impressive list of military and academic accomplishments to include:

Been awarded the Marshall Scholarship

Been recognized on the Dean's List

Held the position of Battalion Commander

Been awarded the Superior Cadet Decoration Award

Been awarded the Army Physical Fitness Badge

Been recognized for highest GPAs for MSII, MSIII, and MSIV classes

Graduated from US Army Airborne School

Graduated from US Army Air Assault School

Completed the Norwegian Ruck March

Completed the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge

Completed the Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Program